One council or two? Have your say on the future of local government
One council or two? South Taranaki residents invited to have their say on the future of local government
South Taranaki District Council is asking the community to share its views on the future of local government in Taranaki, with a public survey opening on 12 June 2026, running through to 12 July 2026.
The survey is part of Council’s work on the Government’s Head Start pathway for simplifying local government. The Government has said it wants to replace the current mix of district, city and regional councils with unitary authorities, and councils have until 9 August 2026 to develop outline proposals.
South Taranaki District Mayor Phil Nixon says the government has made it clear that the status quo is not an option and Council has agreed to take part in the Head Start process so the district can help shape its own future, rather than having decisions made later through a central government-led process.
“We want to hear from our residents about what matters most to them. We’re asking our residents to consider two possible scenarios for Taranaki’s future local government structure: One council for all of Taranaki, combining regional and district/city functions into a single unitary authority; or two councils for Taranaki, with one covering the New Plymouth district area and one covering the Stratford and South Taranaki district areas, with each taking on regional council functions.”
The survey also asks people what matters most if local government is reorganised, including protecting local voice and decision-making, affordability, fair representation, accessible local services, and simplifying governance across the region.
Mayor Nixon says local government reorganisation is a significant issue with long-term implications for the district, and community feedback will help inform the proposal South Taranaki helps shape. “However, it’s important to note that our survey is not a binding poll, and final decisions on any future reorganisation will sit with central government,” he says.
People can complete the survey online at southtaranaki.com/headstart, or pick up a printed copy from the Council Administration Building in Hāwera or their nearest LibraryPlus. Printed feedback forms can also be returned to those locations.
Council is encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to have their say before feedback closes on 12 July 2026.
